Hawkeye Football is known for its gritty defense, solid line play, and developing the tight end position. The program embodies its Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and Defensive Coordinator Phil Parker with their work ethic and attention to detail.
The Iowa program is especially known for producing multiple high-caliber tight end prospects that succeed in the NFL.
After the success of former Hawkeye tight ends in the NFL, Iowa has been dubbed "Tight End U," but another phrase has been attributed to the program that does not involve their tight ends or the defense.
"Punting is winning" is a phrase that is constantly heard around inner circles of Iowa fans, largely due to the program's ability to produce solid punters and kickers, but also due to Ferentz's conservative offensive play style.
An example of this came during the 2023 Iowa versus Nebraska game in Lincoln, Nebraska, when some Iowa fans were caught on the television broadcast wearing "Punts" sweatshirts.
Another is the popular comedic apparel company RAYGUN, encapsulating the "punting is winning" mantra by releasing "I cheer for the punter apparel.
Punting is definitely winning in Iowa City, and two Iowa kickers have been given the highest kick accuracy rating in the new EA Sports College Football 26 video game.
🎯Rhys Dakin and Jackson Ross are your most accurate K/Ps in #CFB26!
— EASPORTSCollege (@EASPORTSCollege) August 15, 2025
See more ratings ➡️ https://t.co/wNrg4zzWpm pic.twitter.com/UlV28ACTaF
Iowa punter Rhys Dakin is ranked No. 1 overall for kick accuracy (97 overall rating), and kicker Drew Stevens is ranked No. 7 overall (94 overall rating).
Dakin (Ray Guy Award) and Stevens (Lou Groza Award) were both named to preseason award watchlists ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
While Iowa fans love seeing their punter or kicker on the field, it would be a good change of pace for the offense to score more points, so we do not have to see them as often next season.